Virginia driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office
Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles lets you renew without visiting an office if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $36. If you don't meet those conditions or prefer to renew in person, you can mail in your process or visit a DMV office — both options take longer but work if online isn't available to you.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You don't have to wait for it to start the process, but it contains your customer number, which speeds things up. If you've lost it, you can still renew using your Social Security number and date of birth.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Virginia DMV website costs $36 and takes about 10 minutes if your license is not suspended and your address hasn't changed.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process, and payment to the DMV; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires a valid ID, proof of residence, and your current license, and you can usually be seen the same day.
- Your license remains valid for 30 days after expiration if you have a pending renewal, so you won't be driving illegally while waiting for your new one.
Renewing online through the Virginia DMV website
Go to dmvnow.com, click "Renew a Driver's License," and log in or create an account. You'll need your customer number (from your renewal notice) or your Social Security number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm your address, name, and whether anything has changed since your last renewal.
You can pay the $36 fee with a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Once you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days. You can drive legally during this time — Virginia honors licenses for 30 days past expiration if a renewal is pending.
Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, if you have medical restrictions (like corrective lenses required), if your address has changed, or if you need to update your name. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail
Request a mail renewal form from the DMV by calling 804-367-0538 or visiting a DMV office. You can also read the process (Form DL-43) from dmvnow.com. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $36 to the address on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Mail can be slow, so send it at least three weeks before your license expires. Include a return address so the DMV can send your new license back to you. If you're renewing before your current license expires, you can include it in the same envelope — the DMV will destroy the old one and send you the new one.
Mail renewal works even if your address has changed, as long as you provide your new address on the process. If your name has changed, you'll need to provide a court order or marriage certificate along with your process.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
Visit any Virginia DMV office with your current driver's license, a valid ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. The fee is $36, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
You don't need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary. Check dmvnow.com for your local office's hours and current wait times before you go. You'll usually receive your new license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's processing speed.
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if you have medical restrictions, if your name has changed, or if you need to update your address and prefer not to mail documents. It's also the fastest way to get a replacement if your license is lost or damaged.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Virginia, even if you have a renewal pending. However, your license remains valid for 30 days after the expiration date if you have submitted a renewal process online, by mail, or in person. This grace period gives you time to receive your new license in the mail without breaking the law.
If your license has been expired for more than 30 days and you have not renewed it, you cannot legally drive. You'll need to renew when ready using one of the three methods above. If you're stopped by police, you could face a traffic citation.
Renewing with a name or address change
If your name has changed since your last renewal (through marriage, divorce, or court order), you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person and provide legal documentation: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name and issue a new license with the correct information.
If your address has changed, online renewal will not work. Use mail renewal or visit a DMV office in person. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Virginia license if I live out of state?
Yes. Mail renewal is your best option. read Form DL-43 from dmvnow.com, fill it out, and mail it with your current license and payment to the DMV. Your new license will be mailed to your out-of-state address. Processing takes two to three weeks.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DMV office in person. The office will tell you whether you're able to renew or whether you need to complete other steps first, such as paying fines or completing a safety course.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
No. Online and mail renewals use your photo from your previous license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal, but there's an additional fee.
How long is a renewed Virginia license valid?
Your renewed license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. You'll receive a renewal notice about 60 days before it expires.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You don't need it to renew. You can renew online using your Social Security number and date of birth, or by mail or in person using your current license and ID. The renewal notice just makes the online process slightly faster because it includes your customer number.